Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Kent State University Honors College records

Inclusive Date(s):

1961-2008

Bulk Date(s):

1969-1983

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Heather Flynn

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Heather Flynn using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2010

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Kent State University. Honors College

Extent:

4 cubic feet (4 record storage boxes)

Physical Location:

11th Floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0113

Abstract:

These records, dating from 1961-2006, largely consists of the official and administrative papers created by Donald "Mac" Hassler during his time as Dean of the Honors and Experimental College and by others involved in Honors from 1969-1983. These records include the proposals for the experimental programs, the foundation of the religious studies and women studies programs at Kent State University, and publications of catalogs, newsletters, literary magazines, pamphlets, and academic journal articles by the Honors College.

Revision(s):

March 2022 - Revised by Anita Clary

Language(s):

The records are in English.

History of Kent State University Honors College

The Honors College at Kent State University was first established in 1933 with the first student thesis published in 1934. As the Honors College grew in the 1960s, the first scholarships were offered, Honors versions of departmental courses were offered, and the Honors program began to coordinate high-school early admission programs and advance placement. However, the Honors College reached a significant turning point during the aftermath of the Kent State Shootings on May 4, 1970, creating the Experimental Programs. The Experimental Programs established various courses taught by teacher-guides (voluntary faculty and community members) to address an array of social issues. Due to the creation of the Experimental Programs, during this time period, the Honors College would become known as the Honors and Experimental College. The Honors College also became the coordinator of the university's artist/lecture series on campus. It would also implement a major test competition for scholarships for a number of years (which would later be abandoned) and the Creative Artist Award freshman scholarship. By the 1980s, regional campuses of Kent State University began their own sections of Honors. In 2006, the Honors College celebrated the grand opening of the new Honors Facility in the rebuilt Stopher and Johnson Residence Halls.

Scope and Content

The Kent State University Honors College records include correspondences, course and catalog planning, and notes by the Dean of the Honors and Experimental College Donald "Mac" Hassler from 1976-1983. Also included are correspondence, minutes, and reports conducted by the Honors College Policy Council (HOCOPOCO) and the Committee on Innovative Change (the committee which established the Experimental Programs). Also included are various student and program publications including the literary magazines Ana, 1301 H, and Colloquy, Honors newsletters, "New Book" orientation books, event announcements, and brochures/pamphlets distributed by the Honors College. The notes included in the records range from course and catalog planning and HOCOPOCO meetings and projects to more minor notes on miscellaneous issues.

Statement of Arrangement

The Kent State University Honors College records are divided into series as follows:

• Series 1: Administrative Files
• Subseries 1: Correspondence
• Subseries 2: Annual Reports
• Subseries 3: Scholarships
• Subseries 4: Other Administrative Files (Arranged Alphabetically)
• Series 2: Curricular and Program Information Files
• Subseries 1: Catalogs
• Subseries 2: Manuals
• Subseries 3: History of the Program
• Subseries 4: Faculty and Student Orientations
• Subseries 5: Program Policies, Procedures, and Proposals
• Subseries 6: Reports
• Subseries 7: Development of Religious Studies Program
• Subseries 8: Development of Women Studies Program
• Subseries 9: Workshops, Events, and Other Program Information
• Subseries 10: Quarterly Planning
• Series 3: Honors College Policy Advisory Council (HOCOPOCO) Files
• Series 4: Committee on Innovative Change Files
• Series 5: Student Files
• Subseries 1: Student Information
• Subseries 2: Student Publications
• Series 6: Program Publication Files
• Subseries 1: Brochures and Pamphlets
• Subseries 2: Events and Announcements
• Subseries 3: Publicity Materials
• Subseries 4: 'New Book' Publications
• Subseries 5: Newsletters

Separated Material

Issues of Brainchild, an Honors College student publication, are shelved separately and cataloged in LIBRARYsearch.

Preferred Citation

Kent State University Honors College records. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

The records are acquired from the Kent State University Honors College on a continual basis. The records contributed by Donald "Mac" Hassler were acquired in 1983.

Accruals

Additional materials are added to this collection on a continual basis.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Universities and colleges -- Honors courses -- Ohio
• Universities and colleges -- Curricula -- Ohio
• Kent State University. Honors College -- Archives
• Kent State University. Honors College -- History
• Kent State University -- History

Persons:

• Hassler, Donald M.

Organizations/Corporations:

• Kent State University. Honors College
• Kent State University. Honors and Experimental College

Functions:

• Education, Higher -- Administration

Places:

• Kent (Ohio)

Occupations:

• College administrators

Material Types:

• Administrative records
• Annual reports
• Brochures
• Correspondence
• Minutes
• Pamphlets
• Programs
• Proposals
• Publications
• Reports

Detailed Description of The Collection